Buckethead is typically known as a shredder, but he is actually a masterful composer of acoustic music. The 10 acoustic songs below represent my favorite findings across several of his different albums through the years. All are magical and completely transporting. I recommend listing with headphones with your eyes closed. I think you’ll see what I mean.
Here are the The Top 10 Best Buckethead Acoustic Songs:
Dawn Appears
Listening to this with your eyes closed will transport you to another place only Buckethead can take you to. This one almost feels like an acoustic version of Soothsayer at the very beginning, but then takes you to a realm of warmth and euphoria that is completely unique.
For Mom
This song was written for Buckethead’s mom, who was sick with colon cancer, and he wrote it for her so she could listen and enjoy something during her treatment. She sadly passed away in 2014. Personally, this is my favorite Buckethead song apart from Soothsayer. The raw emotion in this iteration of the song is unmatched.
All in the Waiting
This acoustic song perfectly captures Buckethead’s ability to make you feel happy and sad at the same time. This song is so touching and beautiful, inspiring nostalgia and reflection on life. The entire album is one of Buckethead’s best, and one of the most beautiful musical creations ever recorded by anyone
Beyond the Knowing
Beyond the Knowing is another one of my absolute favorite pieces by Buckethead. His acoustic guitar almost sounds like a harp here. The song shows that music can be “fast” and beautiful at the same time.
Pearson Square
Pearson’s Square has a different vibe than the previous songs, mostly because it features some drums rather than just Buckethead alone on acoustic. Still, it has a stripped-down melancholic feel that is classic Buckethead.
Sketches of Spain
Sketches of Spain is Buckethead’s incredible acoustic tribute to Miles Davis. For those who do not know, Sketches of Spain is an album from Miles, and this does a very honorable job in comparison. There is perhaps nothing more difficult than capturing the beauty of the Spanish countryside in music, but this song achieves it!
Heart’s Delight
A soft and relaxing acoustic tune that touches the soul. Heart’s Delight is my favorite song from this album.
Twice with the Sledge
An overlooked gem with flamenco undertones. Twice with the Sledge one of the most criminally underrated Buckethead songs.
Watching the Boats with My Dad
An undeniable tear-jerker of understated beauty. I find this song extremely calming. It just goes to show how even simple melodies, if played correctly, can instigate a trance-like state.
Padmasana
This is the song you hear when you watch the timeline of your life play back all the little things we tend to not be aware of; like the beginning of a childhood friendship as it plays the progression of you turning older and eventually growing out of the older friendships and reminiscing over all the good memories and how pure and innocent we were as children, only focusing on what mattered most at that time and nothing else; pure awareness.
Ready to Get Better at Guitar, Faster?
Whenever you’re ready to take your guitar playing to the next level, check out my favorite resources below:
Best Strings
Elixir Nanoweb Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Unique polymer coating allows strings to last for months or years at a time, making for an exceptional value.
- Provide the perfect mix of boom, range, twang, and brightness that acoustic music is known for.
Best Guitar
Martin D-18
- Beloved by everyone from Paul Simon to Gordon Lightfoot, the D-18 is one of Martin’s most legendary guitars ever.
- An excellent, premier quality acoustic guitar for bluegrass, country, folk, rock and more. This is what I play myself.
Free Guide
Chords, Tabs & Lessons for 100 Songs
- This free guide from Acoustic World gives you chords, tabs, and video lesson for the 100 best songs to learn on guitar.
- I spent hours putting this together all by myself to help you get better at guitar, faster!
Free Book
Fingerpicking vs Flatpicking Guitar
- Learn which picking style is right for YOU by exploring examples, history, and popular players of each style.
- Discover essential techniques and pros and cons of each approach.
